“I spent most of my time at Fort Meade when visiting D.C., so Severn Inn is my favorite. Great view of Annapolis (best viewed from a distance when you’re an AF Academy grad). Wonderful seafood and a casual atmosphere outside, or a bit more formal with an equally pleasant view by the fireplace inside.”

“For downtown D.C., Old Ebbitt Grill — it always reminds me of my first trip to D.C. and brings back the energy and awe. The best oysters on the half shell and great service are just an added bonus to the experience.”

Old Ebbitt Grill, 675 15th St. N.W. www.ebbitt.com

Nick Giordano, Ernst & Young, Washington Council

“Central. It’s in my building. The food and service are excellent, and I can always grab a quick lunch at the bar. Chopped salad with a piece of salmon on it is my standard lunch. It’s not on the menu, but they do it for me.”

Bruce Josten, Executive Vice President for Government Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

“My favorite place for lunch in D.C. is Equinox. It has a good atmosphere where you can eat and easily have a conversation. Plus the staff [is] great. I enjoy the Lezlee Westine pulled chicken salad or the grilled Creekstone farm burger — with a side of their truffled macaroni and cheese.”

Equinox, 818 Connecticut Ave. N.W. www.equinox restaurant.com

Steve Elmendorf, Elmendorf Ryan

“Posto on 14th Street. Informal neighborhood spot with great fish and pasta. And one block from my house!”

Posto, 1515 14th St. N.W. www.postodc.com

Ben Ginsberg, Patton Boggs

“DGS Delicatessen — started by the son of old friends of ours. It’s a combination of the delis of my youth (except with a full bar) and my mother’s and grandmothers’ kitchens — but with an attitude. My favorite item on the menu is the Schmaltzy Fries: fries-corn beef bits-sauerkraut-Russian dressing and chilies. Can’t beat it, or think of it on your own.”

DGS Delicatessen, 1317 Connecticut Ave. N.W. www.dgs delicatessen.com

Joan Fitz-Gerald, President, America Votes

“Montmartre. Good, honest French food with a casual ambience.”

Montmartre, 327 7th St. S.E. www.montmartredc.com

Phil Cox, Executive Director, Republican Governors Association

“Ruth’s Chris on Connecticut. Great service, atmosphere, food and wine. There are so many great restaurants in D.C., but the older I get the more I value places where I don’t have to yell to have a conversation (yes, I’m getting older). Great bar and the backroom or ‘dungeon’ is quiet, with great ambiance. When my wife and I want to get out and have a great, quiet meal and actually talk to one another — not easy to do at home chasing around a 14-month-old — this is where we go.”

“Very honorable mention goes to Founding Farmers. It’s a few blocks from my office, and the food is phenomenal. Only downside is that it’s always packed and loud, but I’m not sure how you top a menu that offers fried chicken, waffles and mac and cheese in a single meal!”

“I’m still exploring, but I love the bircher muesli at Bread and Chocolate for breakfast.”

Bread and Chocolate, 2301 M St. N.W. www.breadandchocolate.net

Mindy Finn, Strategic Partnerships, Twitter Inc.

“Mintwood Place. I love the casual atmosphere and kid-friendliness despite the fact that it’s the top new restaurant in Washington. Best dish is the brownie sundae hands down. It’s stacked with a perfect proportion of brownie (no nuts), vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, sprinkles and chocolate sauce where you taste a little of each in every bite. Go to Mintwood and save room for dessert!”

Mintwood Place, 1813 Columbia Rd. N.W. www.mintwoodplace.com

Philippe Reines, Longtime Hillary Clinton adviser

“That’s easy — Meiwah. There are a hundred dishes that make it the best — but the real reason it’s my favorite isn’t on the menu: Larry La, the owner. He should be the 51st Politico — he knows more than the first 50 combined. He is the true zhèngzhìjia guankàn (true politico to watch).”